Project # 1

My first project is getting some donations and making school kits to take. I am asking for clothing from family and friends around me so I can take it down and am also working with a church youth group who will be making school kits for Peruvian children. I will also bring down a bunch to give to kids who need the supplies.  The youth group will make about 15, so I will try to make 15-20 to bring down.

I am making bags out of t-shirts, and am adding 2 notebooks, pencils, an eraser, a pencil sharpener,  crayons, and a ruler.

I made the bag using an old t-shirt. I found a tutorial by another blogger.  Here is the link: http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2011/10/recycled-t-shirt-tote-bag.html.
I made mine the same way, it's very simple.
You just cut off the neck and the sleeves, then sew together the bottom.

And I did all the shopping. It's a lot of things. The estimated cost is $3.75 per kit. I bought enough for 30 kits, and practically cleaned Walmart out of rulers, pencil sharpeners, and crayons. I still need 14 rulers and 10 pencil sharpeners. I took some pictures.

 We went to 2 Walmart's and to Staples  to get the supplies. 

 I organized all the things on the table...

so you could see the quantity. 

Marcus had fun playing with the erasers...

This is his cat. 

 This is the bag I made. I just used a t-shirt I didn't like. 

Marcus thinks its silly, he was making fun of it.

I am going to finish making all the bags at my grandmas next week, because she has a sewing machine and they last longer if they are not hand stitched. 

My Purpose

As I mentioned, I really want to go to Peru to do a bit of service work. It didn't really hit me that I was so blessed until moving back from Peru and became aware that I was being careless with the money I earned babysitting, and decided that I should do something with it. I began saving up money from birthdays, Christmas and babysitting. I have quite a bit saved up and am hoping to do some good with it while in Peru. I want to work with orphanages, and homes working as a volunteer helping with the children, but I would also like to do more. I would like to help out anyplace needed, schools, homes, orphanages. If a school needs a swing set, that's what I will do. I am hoping to do a number of projects while there that can improve the quality of life for families and children.

An Introduction of Sorts

Hello and welcome to my blog! I am Darcie, and in a few weeks will be living in Lima, Peru. Lima is the capital of Peru and a very pretty city. I lived in Arequipa-the 2nd largest city in Peru, a few years ago. I am excited to be able to have the opportunity to move back to Peru. If you would like to know more about Peru, go to http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_998.html or feel free to email me or leave a comment. Here are some pictures of Peru, photo credits go to my brother Zach.

 Machu Pichu

 Llamas 

 Cusco at Night

Arequipa Farmland

When we first lived in Peru, we worked with an orphanage for children with disabilities. It broke my heart to hear their stories, and made me see how blessed I was in my life. I started raising money with the hope that I would be able to go back to Peru and work with other children and families. The opportunity came at just the right time, I have graduated and was looking for something to do for a year before deciding what to do with my life.

I just need to pack my suitcase and get out the door!